Tate Gabriel ’98 was a four-sport athlete, playing football and baseball, wrestling, and
running track. He was good at them all: an all-state football player, regional wrestling
champion, and qualified for three state track meets.
In football, Tate was a four-year starter, a senior captain, and named Outstanding
Senior Back. He was recognized as SESD All-conference Team and 11B All State
Team in 1997. A North-South All Star Game participant, Tate caught 44 passes for 712
yards his senior year, scoring 9 touchdowns. On defense, he had 79 tackles and 7
interceptions.
As a wrestler, Tate was a six-year letterwinner, finishing his Buffalo career with a record
of 154-72. Twice a district champion, once a region champion, he earned a 5 th place
finish at the 1997 State Wrestling Tournament. Tate led the team in takedowns in 1998
and was a two-time Big Dakota Conference Champion. He was a Team Captain who
helped lead the Buffalos to a 60-2 dual record and a runner-up finish at the 1997 State
Meet.
On the track, Tate qualified for the State Track and Field Championships three
consecutive years and broke four school records as a senior. Three of those records
still stand: 300M Hurdles (41.35), 4×200 relay (1:32.26), 4×400 relay (3:29.44). In
1998, Tate anchored the 3 rd place 4X200 relay team and was part of the 8 th place 4X800
relay team at the State Meet.
Tate also enjoyed a successful baseball career, earning a 25-4 record and pitching a
State Teener championship for Post 8. He continued his athletic career at DWU,
becoming an all-conference football player (four-year starter, three-time all-conference
selection) and runner (three conference titles, two school records.)
Tate lives in Fort Pierre with wife Kristin and their three children: Gavin, Scarlett, and
Gray.
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